Report – Audi serious about Q7 e-tron hybrid SUV

A recent report from Car Advice suggests that Audi is working on a hybrid Q7 which we shall call the Q7 e-tron for now.

Q7 is headed for a product replacement in 2014-15.

Audi is no stranger to electric mobility. The Ingolstadt based car maker has already shown us the A1 e-tron concept and the production specification A3 e-tron (which would be launched in the Australian market pretty soon) at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Audi has also built several prototypes of the R8 e-tron, though there are no plans to put it into production due to the poor economies of scale which would result in a super high price tag.

Audi A3 e-tron is expected to be launched in Australia soon.

Audi Australia’s Managing Director, Andrew Doyle, said –

We have a plan going forward for e-tron. It will be rolled out across all the models now. I don’t see it [R8 e-tron] as a major thing for us. We’ll launch [locally] with A3, followed by Q7.

Doyle says that the Audi will introduce the Q7 e-tron in its current generation, even though an all new Q7 is being planned for 2014-15. He said – “I think it’s this generation”. No details as to the specifications of the electric SUV were shared though.

Land Rover is planning hybrid variants of the Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport. Is this stimulating Audi for a hybrid Q7?

Commenting about the next generation Q7, Doyle said –

The new one will give that [e-tron] a good chance. It was our first foray into SUV with Q7 so I think the second model lifecycle will give it a good shake I reckon. We’re looking forward to getting it.